Kachin/Naga Dao

Mark · 25th September 2008, 06:37 PM

As far as I know, there were no shamanistic aspects to bladesmithing among the Kachin. It is not considerred to be a prestigeous occupation, except among the Duleng, who were (and I suppose may still be) famous for the quality of their blades. See, Leach, "Political Systems of Highland Burma," (1954), pp. 57 & 251. This seems to correlate with the social/political structure of the communities - in so-called gumsa societies, which emphasize heritary rule, blacksmiths are accorded little status, while in the more egalitarian or merit-based gumlao societies, like the Duleng Kachin, it is seen as a high-status profession. Shan society is predominantly gumsa, and also views blacksmithing as a low-class occupation (in Leach's words, "iron-working is a task for slaves"). p. 251. Perhaps the distinction comes from viewing a blacksmith as a provider of material to the ruling class, a "tool" as it were, as opposed to someone who provides a valuable service for the community. Artisans of all kinds were considered very valuable stategic assets throughout the history of the region, and after a war were regularly uprooted and deported to the victor's territory. Perhaps another reason an autocratic/heirarchical society might view them more as chattels than as valued members of the community.

25th September 2008, 06:37 PM	#1
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	As far as I know, there were no shamanistic aspects to bladesmithing among the Kachin. It is not considerred to be a prestigeous occupation, except among the Duleng, who were (and I suppose may still be) famous for the quality of their blades. See, Leach, "Political Systems of Highland Burma," (1954), pp. 57 & 251. This seems to correlate with the social/political structure of the communities - in so-called gumsa societies, which emphasize heritary rule, blacksmiths are accorded little status, while in the more egalitarian or merit-based gumlao societies, like the Duleng Kachin, it is seen as a high-status profession. Shan society is predominantly gumsa, and also views blacksmithing as a low-class occupation (in Leach's words, "iron-working is a task for slaves"). p. 251. Perhaps the distinction comes from viewing a blacksmith as a provider of material to the ruling class, a "tool" as it were, as opposed to someone who provides a valuable service for the community. Artisans of all kinds were considered very valuable stategic assets throughout the history of the region, and after a war were regularly uprooted and deported to the victor's territory. Perhaps another reason an autocratic/heirarchical society might view them more as chattels than as valued members of the community.